AU soccer twins prepared to lead

When two sets of twins signed to play soccer at Anderson University in 2009, they were looked upon as novelties.

Three years later Ohio natives Jessica and Ashley Kleinberg, along with Kathryn and Joelle Purinton from Massachusetts, are looked upon as leaders.

Oh, they're still good for a double take — when they navigate a soccer pitch sometimes the only way to tell the sisters apart is by the numbers on their jerseys. But as the Trojans try to make a step forward as contenders in the South Atlantic Conference, the Kleinbergs and Purintons are recognized as key components in that quest.

Their experience covers a combined 173 matches and all four have shared in the highs and lows together.

"Both sets of twins have been fantastic leaders," AU coach Samar Azem said. "They're very different ... they both bring a different dynamic to the game. But they have been outstanding for us in the way they play and in the way they carry themselves. We expect a lot from them this year and we'll certainly miss them when they graduate."

In 2011 Jessica, a forward with an eye for the back of the net, was a second team All-SAC selection. She led her squad with 14 points and scored a team-high six goals — including four game-winners.

She was first team All-Conference Carolinas her first season in the Electric City, scoring 12 goals and registering 28 points.

The senior now has 20 career goals and vows to add to that total before the campaign is done.

"The main goal of course is to help the team but I also set individual goals every year," she said. "My freshman year I wanted to score a certain amount of goals and this year I'll set some goals for myself as well. It's my senior season and I want to go out with a good year."

Joelle, a defender, was named to the 2011 SAC All-Tournament team on the strength of her defensive prowess, and played in all 20 of the squad's matches.

An aggressive yet controlled player, she is comfortable in her role as a leader on the field and during practice.

"I think for Kathryn and I both our time management has become better and we're expected to be leaders," she said. "Samar expects all of the players to take ownership but being seniors, we're more independent and want to lead by example."

Ashley, a defender, and Kathryn, a midfielder, both missed entire seasons due to serious injuries. Still, they have worked their ways back into the fold and enter the 2012 season fit.

Ashley was redshirted her freshman year while recovering from knee surgery, and Kathryn was sidelined in 2010 and granted a redshirt.

"I've had two ACL surgeries," Ashley said. "The length of the rehabs has been different both times but I made it through both and feel good about this year. I feel as healthy as I've been and I don't even think about my knee when I'm out there playing."

Kathryn says she expects to be at the top of her game as her final collegiate season approaches.

"I'm a lot healthier this year," she said. "I missed a whole year due to an injury but I'm confident I can spend all my senior year playing."

This year will be the second under Azem, who immediately won over her team as a players' coach while implementing a new, high-energy approach to both workouts and match day.

The twins had no trouble buying into it.

"Samar has really changed the culture," Kathryn said. "Everything is really intense and a lot more is expected of us, but we like that challenge. Every one of us has to have a leadership role on the field."

In 2011 Anderson made it to the semifinals of the SAC Tournament, finishing the season 9-10-1 overall and 5-4 in regular season league play.

This year the Trojans are picked to finish tied for sixth in the preseason poll although the Kleinbergs and Purintons — along with the rest of the club — have much higher hopes and expectations.

"In a way being picked that low motivates us, but it really doesn't make much difference," Jessica said. "We know what's expected of us and we know what we need to do, so the results are what counts.